Pirongia
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Pirongia is a small town in the Waikato region of New Zealand's North Island.
It is 12 kilometres to the west of Te Awamutu, on the banks of the Waipa River, close to the foot of the 962 metre Mount Pirongia, which lies in a forest park to the west of the town.
Pirongia was originally named Alexandra but to avoid confusion with the town of that name in the South Island the name was changed to Pirongia. Some of the village's businesses and organisations such as the Alexandra Hotel and the Alexandra Racing Club echo the earlier name.
Alexandra Racing Club, established in 1866, is reputed to be the second oldest racing club in New Zealand.
The village has experienced rapid population growth since the 1980's as city-dwellers seeking a rural lifestyle have migrated to Pirongia. This has changed the town's character from rural to suburban in a short period of time.
Pirongia has a rural fire force located in the village to protect native bush in the area. The rural fire force has a specialised off-road appliance designed for tough off-road terrain.
Pirongia is also home to the famous Pirongia Clydesdale horses regularly seen at public events throughout the countryside.
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